After struggling much of the season, the Eagles played solid defense in back-to-back victories over the Miami Dolphins and New York Jets. Asomugha said players had been giving Castillo more input, and that he had been listening.

"Obviously we’re going to keep talking to him, because this is his first year," Asomugha said after the Eagles hammered the Jets 45-19. "We’ve gotten to a point where we know what works. He’s been calling games a lot better, he’s been growing each game."

Asked to describe the difference between the Eagles’ defense now, and the one that was inconsistent for three months, Asomugha did not hesitate.

"Play-calling,’’ Asomugha said. "Play-calling I think has a great deal to do with it. And that’s no knock or anything. He’s just gotten better at play calling. The right plays for this group and for the situation. I think he’s understanding that a lot more. The belief factor and the confidence in the play calling really helps.’’

However, the improvement might have come too late to keep the Eagles at 6-8 from missing the playoffs. Which again raises the question of whether it was wise for coach Andy Reid to elevate Castillo to defensive coordinator.

Castillo had been the team’s offensive line coach, and he had never been a defensive coach in the NFL. It remains to be seen if the Eagles’ late-season rally is enough for Castillo to keep his job, even if Reid keeps his.